Some NZ doctors have "very poor" knowledge of how to prescribe medical cannabis

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-05-24 06:23

New Zealand

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NZ doctors may be influenced by their personal beliefs when it comes to prescribing medical cannabis, according to a small study that interviewed 14 physicians in depth. The researchers found that prescribing decisions were driven mostly by whether the doctor trusted the patient. Chiming with overseas research, these doctors said their legal and process knowledge for prescribing medical cannabis was “very poor”, so they relied on internal guidance informed by peers and patients, and their earlier medical training and experience. The authors say a lack of clarity about prescribing means that medical cannabis was seen as a last resort, and recommend better guidelines and a clearer prescribing process.